OMG! I cant believe I overlooked Mirage’s Soberversary! Wow! 8 years today! Plus about 4 months, if you asked me.

What an incredible life feat! You are an inspiration. I hope you go get your favorite meal or dessert and do something special for yourself today. You are an anchor for the rest of us on this feed. Thank you for that!

Congrats!

Lofty

Wise words, Mirage. Thank you.

Cant sleep. Stuffed up and probably fighting allergies to the dog. She’s probably rolled around in the bed when I wasn't looking and left her dander behind. Too bad, too, as I have a busy day tomorrow, or today, actually.

Otherwise, life is still sober and bright. Grateful for that.

Lofty

Just checking in. Plugging along without drinking. Hit an energy wall yesterday, and was kind of tempted, but resisted. Realized how behind I am in my work. Plus, saw a post from a high school contemporary who retired. I am nowhere close to that and it kind of gets me down. But, all I can do is stay focused and roll my sleeves up and get to work, right?

Stay sober with me,

Lofty

Keep strong, Aussie. I’ve wanted to have a beer yesterday and today after a couple challenging days, but it doesn't stop with just a beer forme, 9 times of 10. It stops when the booze in the house is gone or I’m too tired or too drink for more. It only stops when ot stops. And the silver lining will make me glad the next day. I know how tough it can be with a drinking spouse. Glad you are staying strong.

Lofty

I am agreed. Drinking is everywhere these days. Its like its now part of every activity in life. If it didn’t dull me so much, I’d be there with drink in hand. But, it does. I watched the 2019 version of Apollo 11 last night at home and had to chuckle when a guy in the crowd on his camper lifted a Busch beer awaiting the launch. He’d fit right in today. But watching my father in law suffer greatly from decades of heavy drinking is helping me keep strong. The body goes, but the mind doesn't have to.

3 weeks today. And getting things done. Re-developing interests. Starting to have interest in future endeavors. Starting to dig out of the holes I’ve created. It’s daunting, but feels good, at the same time.

Good for you for staying in last night, Mirage. I’ve done that lately too and knew it was the right thing.

Lofty

I am agreed. Drinking is everywhere these days. Its like its now part of every activity in life. If it didn’t dull me so much, I’d be there with drink in hand. But, it does. I watched the 2019 version of Apollo 11 last night at home and had to chuckle when a guy in the crowd on his camper lifted a Busch beer awaiting the launch. He’d fit right in today. But watching my father in law suffer greatly from decades of heavy drinking is helping me keep strong. The body goes, but the mind doesn't have to.

3 weeks today. And getting things done. Re-developing interests. Starting to have interest in future endeavors. Starting to dig out of the holes I’ve created. It’s daunting, but feels good, at the same time.

Good for you for staying in last night, Mirage. I’ve done that lately too and knew it was the right thing.

Lofty

It is true that we seem to seek out those like ourselves. Like when you buy a car, you see many more of the model you bought than you did before. As I become more experienced as a non-drinker, I will likely see more of the non-drinking activities and folks around me, I’m sure. Good point, Dee

Hey Marchers. Its been an enlightening and blessed 3 weeks in so many ways. But its been tragic in others. I stopped drinking on July 1, over 3 weeks ago. Since then, I have had numerous people in my life encounter serious difficulties, and I have been present in mind and heart to be able to help them, which would probably not have happened if I were drinking. The most recent tragedy I learned of today. A child of a family friend was taken by overdose this past Friday at age 20. My area of the country has a rampant problem with heroin. Although I dont know that was the cause, my heart grieves and mourns for them profusely. I cant imagine. He had been friends with my kids earlier in life as were the whole family. Having been prescribed opioids for years due to pain, I have some idea of the addiction they cause, and how they rewire the brain. If you pray, I’d ask for your prayers for this family and all others who suffer this nightmare. There but for the grace of God go I.

Lofty

Over the years, when I’ve been in contemplation, I look around when I enter restaurants and take stock of how many beers vs soda or water sit in front of guests. I’m always surprised to see it about 50% or less with alcohol in front of them, unless its a bar. But I’ve always associated wings, for example, with beer. But not everyone does. I am a foodie, and like to match food and drink when drinking. Or am I choosing the food based on drink? Not any longer. Yes, I wish I could balance the drink, but I dont seem to be able to, and my wife and I have historically enabled each other to rationalize both the pre-party warm up and the post party drinks before bed. That’s really no way to live. It’s expensive, and makes you lose quality sleep. It’s a very slippery slope for me. And talk about rationalization! I am praying my strength and determination to be a non-drinker can endure. Tonight will be a test of sorts. We pre purchased a 4 course dinner at a favorite wine bar before I quit. All in the party know I am in DryJuly so I wont get pressure from anyone, and hopefully not from myself. I’m not planning a drink, but this place is a favorite, and a very social venue; we always meet new folks there. If the evening ends and I have had fun without alcohol, it will be a win.

in reality, I dont get as drunk as I have historically in a setting, but drinking 3-6 drinks or more, up to a half qt of vodka on most days never lets me live in fullness of presence at any time during the days. It impedes my executive function and makes my inner gyroscope wobble during all waking hours. It’s a fake life. And an unproductive, myopic, selfish one as well.

Lofty